Syntharion – a Space Innovation from Kazakhstan

Ayaulym Tаuеkel, a 10C grade student of the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Kyzylorda, together with her scientific supervisor Ainur Qurakbayeva, developed “Syntharion” – an artificial intelligence system for detecting small and hard-to-spot asteroids.

Syntharion uses the EfficientNet-B1 neural network to identify NEO objects that traditional detection methods often miss. For training the model, a synthetic dataset of more than 1 million images was created (Synthario framework), allowing researchers to simulate real asteroid trails without manual labeling.

During real observations, within just four nights, the project detected four new asteroids, proving that the technology works in real space conditions. Syntharion is available through Google Colab, which makes it open and accessible for students and researchers without the need for supercomputers.

The project not only contributes to increasing planetary safety, but also strengthens Kazakhstan’s role in global space research and innovation.

Earlier, Syntharion was recognized at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge, where Ayaulym won 1st place and received a monetary award of 75,000 KZT.